“The cosmetics industry has been the engine of progress in this area. Mr. Borg’s comments therefore do not reflect the complexity or the reality of the issue, and will not further the cause of global animal welfare; rather it will undermine it.”

Viable alternatives needed

Franchina points out that it is vital that the existing collaboration the European Commission, industry and other stakeholders continues, indicating the achievements of the industry in researching and delivering viable alternatives to animal testing.

“[Borg’s] sweeping statements threaten to remove that impetus and undermine the EU’s hard-won leadership in driving the development of alternatives to animal testing. Furthermore, it is completely incompatible with the EU’s existing Innovation 2020 strategy,” he adds.

In light of this the European trade body says that the Commission should take up its obligations under the Cosmetics Directive to propose suitable solutions in view of the report on progress on alternatives to animal testing submitted to the European Parliament and Council on 13 September 2011.

Franchina stressed that although it is vital to find alternatives to animal testing in cosmetics, it may not be possible to put a definite time frame in this, and that industry should be careful as to not lose innovation.

“You cannot dictate science by the clock,” added Heerink. “We need to find a balance so that we keep the capacity to innovate as well.”

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